Game Receptacle with a Spinning Device

ABSTRACT

Apparatus ( 10 ) for playing a game comprising a receptacle ( 12 ) having a first wall ( 14 ) and an arm ( 20 ) mounted for rotation on the first wall ( 14 ). One or more side walls ( 18 ) are provided extending from the first wall ( 14 ) such that the side walls ( 18 ) define an opening ( 15 ) into which can be received one or more game boards ( 40 ). One or more symbol sheets ( 26 ) are provided having a plurality of symbols marked thereon either matching or being related to symbols marked on a corresponding one of said game boards ( 40 ). The arm ( 20 ) is removably mounted to the first wall ( 14 ) to allow one of the symbol sheets ( 26 ) to be secured to the first wall ( 14 ) of the receptacle ( 12 ) such that the secured arm ( 20 ) can be rotated to identify one of the symbols on said symbol sheet ( 26 ) during the game.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a game.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There are a number of games available that involve the use of a spinning device and a game board. The present invention relates to a similar type of game but one which includes particular apparatus for playing the game and modified rules.

The apparatus of the game is provided both to aid in the playing of the game, including multiple variations, and provide a game that is easy to transport and store. The game rules are particularly suited for providing an educational based game that can be used to assist children with a number of different aspects of learning.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a game comprising:

-   -   a receptacle having a first wall;     -   an arm mounted for rotation on the first wall of the receptacle;     -   one or more side walls extending from the first wall such that         the side walls define an opening into which can be received one         or more game boards; and     -   one or more symbol sheets having a plurality of symbols marked         thereon, the symbols matching or being related to symbols marked         on a corresponding one of said game boards;     -   wherein the arm is removably mounted to the first wall to allow         one of the symbol sheets to be secured to the first wall of the         receptacle such that the secured arm can be rotated to identify         one of the symbols on said sheet during the game.

Preferably a retaining device is provided to secure across the opening of the receptacle.

In a preferred embodiment, the retaining device comprises an elastic elongate member wherein ends of the elastic elongate member are secured adjacent a first edge of the first wall and a middle portion is securable adjacent a second opposite edge of the first wall such that the elastic elongate member extends across the lower opening of the receptacle.

Preferably recessed portions are provided in first and second side walls such that the elastic elongate member is received in the recessed portions when secured.

A groove is preferably provided in the first wall adjacent and parallel to the second edge such that a portion of the elastic elongate member adjacent the midpoint thereof is received in the groove to secure the elastic member.

In one embodiment, the first wall is provided with a circular raised lip such that the symbol sheets are received within the raised lip.

Preferably a raised body figure is located within the raised lip and each of the symbol sheets includes a corresponding body figure cut-out into which the raised body figure is received when the symbol sheet is placed in position on the first wall. In one embodiment, the raised body figure has limbs spread apart at ninety degree intervals.

In a preferred embodiment the first wall comprises a quadrilateral and four side walls are provided each extending transversely to the first wall from a corresponding edge thereof.

A cover is preferably provided comprising a disc having a transversely extending edge such that the raised lip can be received within the transversely extending edge of the cover.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of playing a game wherein there is provided a random symbol generating device operable by each player to identify one of a plurality of symbols and a board area provided for each player, each board area being marked with a plurality of symbols, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   a player operating the random symbol generating device to         identify one of the symbols; and     -   each player then placing a hand or foot on their respective         board area on a symbol matching, or being related to, the         identified symbol.

Preferably the random symbol generating device comprises an arm rotatably mounted to the first wall above a symbol sheet wherein the method of playing the game involves the step of a player spinning the arm to identify a symbol on the symbol sheet.

Preferably a body figure is provided under the arm such that spinning the arm also identifies either a right or left hand or right or left foot and each player must place the identified hand or foot on the identified symbol on their game board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 a is an upper perspective view of game apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a lower perspective view of the game apparatus of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 a is an upper perspective view of the game apparatus of FIG. 1 showing attachment of a cover over the rotating arm;

FIG. 2 b is an upper perspective view of the game apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the cover in place;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the game apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4 a to 4 c are lower perspective views showing the process of packing and securing the game boards and symbol sheets into the game apparatus;

FIGS. 5 a to 5 c are upper perspective views showing attachment of a symbol sheet and rotating arm to the game apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a side cross sectional view of the game apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7 a to 7 d show examples of various game boards used for playing the game;

FIG. 8 shows a first example of a step in the game process in which two players are required to find a matching symbol with their left hands;

FIG. 9 shows a second example of a step in the game process in which two players are required to find a matching symbol with their right hands;

FIG. 10 shows a third example of a step in the game process in which two players are required to find a matching symbol with their left feet; and

FIG. 11 shows a fourth example of a step in the game process in which two players are required to find a matching symbol with their right feet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the Figures, there is provided a game comprising game apparatus 10. The game apparatus 10 includes a receptacle 12 into which parts of the game apparatus can be stored.

The receptacle 12 includes a first wall 14 having an external surface on which is provided a random symbol generator device 16. The first wall 14 in the embodiment shown is quadrilateral in shape and the external surface thereof is to be arranged uppermost in use. Side walls 18 are provided extending transversely to the first wall 14. In the embodiment shown, four side walls are provided each extending transversely from a corresponding edge of the first wall 14. The four side walls 18 thereby define an opening 15 in the receptacle in a side opposite the first wall 14.

The first wall 14 and side walls 18 define a chamber within the receptacle accessible through the opening 15. That is, the receptacle 12 comprises generally a box shape having an open lower side to receive other components of the game apparatus 10.

The external surface of the first wall 14 is provided with a random symbol generating device in the form of an arm 20 rotatably mounted to the first wall 14. The arm 20 can therefore be spun in the manner of similar games to finish in a particular orientation. The arm 20 includes a pin 22 that can be received in and removed from an aperture 24 provided in the first wall 14 such that when the pin 22 is received in the aperture 24, the arm 20 can spin about the pin 22.

A plurality of symbol sheets 26 are provided as part of the game apparatus 10. Each of the symbol sheets 26 are securable on the first wall 14 below the arm 20 and each includes a plurality of symbols marked around the periphery thereof. Therefore, when the arm 20 is spun, it will finish over one of the symbols on the symbol sheets 26, thereby identifying that symbol for the purposes of the game.

The external surface of the first wall 14 is provided with a raised lip 28 provided such that the symbol sheets 26 are received within the raised lip 28. The raised lip 28 is circular and located such that the aperture 24 is at the centre of the circular lip 28. Each of the symbol sheets 26 includes an opening corresponding to the location of the aperture 24 such that the pin 22 of the arm 20 can be received through the opening in the symbol sheet 26. Therefore, when it is desired to use a particular symbol sheet 26, the arm 20 is removed and the symbol sheet 26 is placed in position within the raised lip 28. The arm 20 can then be placed back in position.

During game play, the arm 20 is rotated to both designate a particular symbol on the current symbol sheet 26 and also to designate either the hand or foot of the players. A limb indication device is therefore provided on the first wall 14 under the arm 20. The limb indication device comprises a raised body figure 30 located within the raised lip 28. The limbs of the body figure 30 are spread apart at approximately ninety degree intervals. Further, each of the symbol sheets 26 includes a corresponding body figure cut-out 31. The body figure cut-out 31 receives the raised body figure 30 when the symbol sheet 26 is placed in position on the first wall 14 (as can be seen in FIG. 5).

The receptacle 12 is provided also with a retaining device to secure across the open lower side 15. The retaining device comprises an elastic elongate member 32. Ends of the elastic elongate member 32 are secured adjacent a first edge 34 of the first wall 14. To secure across the lower opening 15, the elastic member 32 is moved to extend down a first side wall 35, being adjacent the first edge 34, across the lower opening 15, along a second opposed side wall 37 such that the midpoint of the elastic member 32 is located adjacent a second opposite edge 36 of the first wall 14.

Recessed portions 38 are provided in the first and second side walls 35 and 37, through which the elastic member 32 passes when secured. A groove 39 is provided in the first wall 14 adjacent and parallel to the second edge 36. A portion of the elastic member 32 adjacent the midpoint thereof is received in the groove 39 to secure the elastic member 32 in place (as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 6).

The game apparatus is also provided with a cover 29. The cover 29 comprises a disc having a transversely extending edge such that the raised lip 28 can be received within the transversely extending edge of the cover 29. The cover 29 can therefore be placed over the raised lip 28 (as shown in FIG. 2) to secure and protect the arm 20 when the game is not in use.

The game apparatus 10 is provided with a plurality of game boards 40. Each of the game boards 40 is foldable to a size such that it can be received in the lower opening 15 of the receptacle 12 (as can be seen in FIG. 3). Each game board 40 is provided for use by a single player during the game. In the embodiments shown, two game boards are provided wherein each game board 40 comprises half of the area of a single sheet 41. It will be appreciated that while a pair of game boards 40 is provided on a single sheet 41, separate game board sheets could be provided for each player. Alternatively, a single sheet could contain more than two game boards 40.

Each of the game boards 40 includes a plurality of symbols on the surface thereof. In the embodiments shown, the symbols have not been individually drawn but would be placed in the symbol areas 42 shown on the game boards 40. Each game board 40 is provided with a plurality of symbols related to a corresponding symbol sheet 26. The game board 40 for each player related to a particular symbol sheet 26 includes the same set of symbols. The symbols provided on the game boards 40 and the corresponding symbol sheets 26 preferably comprise a related set of symbols. The symbols may be for example, animals, numbers, words, letters, colours or other suitable symbol sets.

Each symbol on a symbol sheet 26 either matches a symbol on each corresponding game board 40 or is related to a symbol on each corresponding game board 40. In the case of matching symbols, each symbol on the symbol sheet 26 is represented also in at least one of the symbol areas 42 of the game board 40. For example, a picture of a cat may appear on the symbol sheet 26 and in a position on the game board 40. In the case of related symbols, each symbol on the symbol sheet 26 does not appear on the game board 40 but a related symbol does. For example, the symbols on the symbol sheet 26 may comprise sums (e.g. 2+3) and the answers to the sums may appear on the game board 40. As a further example, a picture such as a cat may appear on the symbol sheet and the word “cat” appears on the game board 40 as the related symbol.

During game play, a player spins the arm 20 such that it identifies a symbol on the symbol sheet 26. It also identifies either the right or left hand or right or left foot by being closest to that part of the body figure 30. For example, in FIG. 8 there is shown the arm 20 landing on a symbol on the symbol sheet 26 and also identifying the left hand. FIG. 9 shows a similar example identifying the right hand. FIGS. 10 and 11 show examples identifying the left and right feet respectively. In game play, after each spin of the arm, each of the players must place the identified hand or foot on the symbol on their game board 40 that either matches or is related to the identified symbol on the symbol sheet 26.

The game played according to the method is expected to be able to provide many educational opportunities for the players and is therefore particularly suited to young children, for example children in a school environment. Varying game boards 40 and related symbol sheets 26 can be provided to allow players to learn colours, words, numbers, objects, maths or many other topics. The use of a separate game board for each player is considered particularly important for such young players as it allows them to concentrate on identifying the correct symbol on the game board 40 without the risk of colliding with other players.

Further, the physical construction of the game apparatus 10 allows an easily transported game in which the game elements can all be packed away inside each other without the need for a separate box or container.

It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention. 

1. Apparatus for playing a game comprising: a receptacle having a first wall; an arm mounted for rotation on the first wall of the receptacle; one or more side walls extending from the first wall such that the side walls define an opening into which can be received one or more game boards; and one or more symbol sheets having a plurality of symbols marked thereon, the symbols matching or being related to symbols marked on a corresponding one of said game boards; wherein the arm is removably mounted to the first wall to allow one of the symbol sheets to be secured to the first wall of the receptacle such that the secured arm can be rotated to identify one of the symbols on said sheet during the game.
 2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein a retaining device is provided to secure across the opening of the receptacle.
 3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein the retaining device comprises an elastic elongate member wherein ends of the elastic elongate member are secured adjacent a first edge of the first wall and a middle portion is securable adjacent a second opposite edge of the first wall such that the elastic elongate member extends across the lower opening of the receptacle.
 4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 3, wherein recessed portions are provided in first and second side walls such that the elastic elongate member is received in the recessed portions when secured.
 5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 3, wherein a groove is provided in the first wall adjacent and parallel to the second edge such that a portion of the elastic elongate member adjacent the midpoint thereof is received in the groove to secure the elastic member.
 6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first wall is provided with a circular raised lip such that the symbol sheets are received within the raised lip.
 7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein a raised body figure is located within the raised lip and each of the symbol sheets includes a corresponding body figure cut-out into which the raised body figure is received when the symbol sheet is placed in position on the first wall.
 8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7, wherein the raised body figure has limbs spread apart at ninety degree intervals.
 9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first wall comprises a quadrilateral and four side walls are provided each extending transversely to the first wall from a corresponding edge thereof.
 10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein a cover is provided comprising a disc having a transversely extending edge such that the raised lip can be received within the transversely extending edge of the cover.
 11. A method of playing a game wherein there is provided a random symbol generating device operable by each player to identify one of a plurality of symbols and a board area provided for each player, each board area being marked with a plurality of symbols, the method comprising the steps of: a player operating the random symbol generating device to identify one of the symbols; and each player then placing a hand or foot on their respective board area on a symbol matching, or being related to, the identified symbol.
 12. A method in accordance with claim 11, wherein the random symbol generating device comprises an arm rotatably mounted to the first wall above a symbol sheet wherein the method of playing the game involves the step of a player spinning the arm to identify a symbol on the symbol sheet.
 13. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein a body figure is provided under the arm such that spinning the arm also identifies either a right or left hand or right or left foot and each player must place the identified hand or foot on the identified symbol on their game board.
 14. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7, wherein a cover is provided comprising a disc having a transversely extending edge such that the raised lip can be received within the transversely extending edge of the cover.
 15. Apparatus in accordance with claim 8, wherein a cover is provided comprising a disc having a transversely extending edge such that the raised lip can be received within the transversely extending edge of the cover.
 16. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein a cover is provided comprising a disc having a transversely extending edge such that the raised lip can be received within the transversely extending edge of the cover. 